Watch what Atlassian's CEO said in a 4-minute video on the company's AI-induced layoffs
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- Atlassian has cut 1,600 jobs, roughly 10% of its workforce, as it pivots to AI.
- CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes addressed employees in a four-minute video explaining the layoffs.
- He said he is "deeply sorry for the disruption" the layoff creates in their lives.
Atlassian CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes addressed employees in a four-minute video explaining why the company is laying off about 1,600 workers — roughly 10% of its workforce — as it pivots more aggressively toward AI.
Cannon-Brookes said in a message on the company's blog that the decision was difficult but necessary as AI reshapes how software companies operate. The shift isn't simply about cutting costs, he said, but about changing the mix of skills the company needs as it builds products for the AI era.
About 30% of the affected roles are based in Australia. The Australian-American software firm was founded in 2002 by Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar, both of whom are ranked among Australia's 50 richest people by Forbes.
The layoffs come amid a wider shift across the tech industry as companies restructure for the AI era. Last month, Block slashed nearly half its workforce, citing productivity gains from AI.
Watch Cannon-Brookes' video message to employees here: